CSA Z412-17 (R2023)

Preface

This is the third edition of CSA Z412, Office ergonomics ? An application standard for workplace ergonomics. It supersedes previous editions published as guidelines in 2000 and 1989 under the title Guideline on Office Ergonomics. The present edition includes updates to reflect new technology and work practices, and is now presented in the form of a standard rather than a guideline.

The objective of this Standard is to apply ergonomics to enhance user health, safety, and well-being and to optimize system performance in order to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses or to reduce the severity of harm related to occupational activities in offices.

Scope

1.1

This Standard specifies requirements for the Application of Ergonomics in offices. It applies to all office users in office workspaces in new and existing buildings, and includes some requirements for non-traditional workspaces (i.e., vehicles and home offices). Whenever “office” is used in this Standard, it refers to users in one or more of these settings.

1.2

This Standard does not apply to medical management programs or to practices that could be considered part of a medical management program, such as therapeutic or clinical interventions.

This Standard does not contain information pertaining to the design of software or information technology devices and displays.

This Standard does not contain requirements pertaining to electromagnetic forces (EMFs).

This Standard is not a product compliance standard and therefore does not address safety, durability, and structural adequacy of products.

This Standard does not contain information on acoustics related to the construction of building shells or exterior noise sources.

Notes:

1) Design and presentation of software can play a large role in promoting efficient and healthy office work. ISO 9241, Parts 11 to 16, Part 110, and Part 143 provide guidance in this area.

2) Requirements for the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of furniture products are provided in ANSI/BIFMA X5.5, ANSI/BIFMA X5.6, ANSI/BIFMA X5.9, CAN/CGSB-44.227, and CAN/CGSB-44.229.

1.3

This Standard is intended for those who are involved in health, safety, ergonomics, and the design/build and operations of office workspaces, including

a) employer representatives;

b) office users and their representatives;

c) architects, designers, facility planners, building service providers, and purchasing personnel involved in the design of new office work systems, the renovation of existing office work systems, or the procurement of new furniture, accessories, and equipment;

d) professional groups (ergonomists, industrial hygienists, engineers, and related specialists); and

e) designers and manufacturers of products.

This Standard may be used as a reference by health and safety agencies and regulatory agencies.

1.4

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.